Parenting books that made a difference?

[Louisa30]

What parenting books have genuinely made a difference to your parenting and children’s behaviour?

I would be wary of Stephen Biddulph (actually-be wary of all the books. Be ready to take what you need and reject what you don’t!) Biddulph is based on biological determinism in a way that IMHO is too rigid. He’s also very opposed to day care for under 3s-which is how felt impractical for many people.

Penelope Leach: Your Baby & Child. My mum gave it to me and it was brilliant, it helped me through those terrifying stages of a first born and gave such good supportive advice through the toddler years. It helped me to understand what my children needed most and kept me sane.

What Mothers Do: Especially When it Looks Like Nothing
I know loads of people who loved it so much they bought a copy for someone else then that person loved it and bought one for another friend etc. However one of my friends absolutely hated it. So it depends whether it chimes with you or not I guess.